Competing at the Next Level: Alyssa McBride

<p> It&rsquo;s been a pleasure having the opportunity to interview some of Ohio&rsquo;s and the Nation&rsquo;s best Cross Country and Track &amp; Field Athletes.&nbsp; Most have moved on to pursue their educations and to compete at the next level.&nbsp; We reached out to our interviewee&rsquo;s and asked them what their experience has been at the next level.&nbsp; Many have gotten back and shared their athletic experiences to date, as well as what their expectations were, some recommendations and also the realities of competing at the next level.</p>

Alyssa McBride (2012)  Bryan  
University Of  Cincinnati  (Pole Vault)

o    Ohio Gatorade Track & Field Athlete of the Year 2012
o    3rd 2012 USATF Junior Outdoor Championships 13-1.5
o    2nd 2012 Midwest meet of Champions 12-9
o    2012 OHSAA D2 State Champion 13-01
o    OHSAA All Div. State Record Holder 13-01
o    2012 New Balance National Indoor Champion 12-08.75
o    2011 OHSAA D2 Runner Up 11-6.

MileSplit: Alyssa, how has competing in college gone so far?

Alyssa: My experience competing at the next level is great so far.  I am glad that the University of Cincinnati is where I ended up.  

MileSplit: How does the training aspect of college differ from high school training?

Alyssa: It has been a whole new experience for me starting with new training, new coaches, and new teammates.  The training is different from the training I did in high school because in high school I would do most of my training on my own with gymnastics, some sprinting, and pole vaulting around twice a week.  Now, in college, I am training with a team, which I really enjoy because we push and motivate each other to finish tough workouts and to make each other better.  Some of the training I now do includes weightlifting, sprinting, rings, high bar, and pole vaulting.  

MileSplit: How do you like your new coaches?

Alyssa: The coaches are great here. They put a lot of time into helping the whole team and I have learned a lot from them.  


MileSplit: What was your favorite meet that you went to during the indoor season?

Alyssa: This indoor season was a good experience for me that I will learn from.  My favorite meet that we traveled to this indoor season was the pole vault summit at Reno.  I enjoyed meeting all of the elite vaulters and watching them vault.  My best jump was 3.80m (12'5.5") this indoor season, which was at Reno.


MileSplit: What are you looking forward to as your freshman season winds down?

Alyssa: I am excited for outdoor season to start because I love competing with my team and I am looking forward to improving and helping my team out.  Competing at the collegiate level is a big commitment, but it is definitely worth it.